With over 20 years of experience covering the Steelers for the Observer-Reporter, Dale Lolley will let you know the insider scoop. Dale can also be heard on the Steelers radio network pre-game show on WDVE-FM game days and Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on ESPN 970-AM and WDVE during the season as a host of the Antonio Brown Show. Follow him on Twitter at @dlolleyor

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Steelers make final cuts

The Steelers trimmed their roster to 53 players on Saturday with a couple of surprises.

The biggest, at least to me, was veteran Guy Whimper being released. Whimper, a nine-year veteran who saw action in 11 games in 2013, starting two.

I was skeptical of Whimper making the team last season, but I thought he acquitted himself well last season when called upon.

With Whimper gone, the Steelers' backups on the offensive line are Mike Adams at tackle, guard Chris Hubbard and jack-of-all-trades Wes Johnson. That's not a lot of depth for a team that has needed plenty in recent seasons on its offensive line.

Given that the Steelers only have three outside linebackers on their roster, Jones,Worilds and Moats, why not talk Harrison out of retirement and sign him after week 1? Saw your comment on him, but he is at a minimum serviceable as a backup and knows the playbook. I see him and Keisel at similar points in their careers: on the downside but decent as a back up and leader.

I've felt all along the Steelers would be scanning the wires for another OT. They seem to have ok depth on the interior OL spots. I think if they do claim an OT, then Hubbard is either cut or heads to the PS.

In any event, since they only dress 7 OL on game days, Adams and Wallace will be the active back ups.